The Wellbeing specification is part of the redeveloped Primary School Curriculum that helps support every aspect of your child’s development. It brings together Physical Education (PE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) to help children build the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to live active, healthy and happy lives.
Learning in the Wellbeing specification is grouped into four main areas, called Strands. Each Strand focuses on key things children need to learn. The Strands are:
• Movement competence
• Emotional and relational education
• Health education
• Community and belonging
Learning in the Wellbeing specification is designed to be fun and interesting for children at every stage. The aim is to create a positive, welcoming classroom where every child feels included and valued for who they are – supporting all children to thrive and flourish and realise their full potential. Teachers will use different ways of teaching, depending on what the children are learning, the school setting, and the children’s needs and interests. When children are learning, they will have the chance to talk, explore, try things out, move and think about what they are learning. Children will learn in many different places, both indoors and outdoors. In PE, they will take part in a wide range of activities to help them learn in an active and balanced way. The Wellbeing specification includes seven PE activity areas: Active living; Aquatics; Athletics; Dance; Games; Gymnastics; Outdoor and adventure education.
Parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. The Wellbeing specification recognises that supporting a child’s wellbeing is a shared job between families and schools. Working together and keeping good two-way communication helps build trust and creates a positive learning environment for children. Teachers and parents can share what they notice and keep each other updated on how the child is doing. Parents can also let the teacher know if there’s anything going on that might affect their child’s learning or wellbeing. Parents can support their child’s learning in Wellbeing by talking about what they’re learning in school and encouraging it at home through simple conversations and activities.
Parents can find more information about the Wellbeing specification at www.curriculumonline.ie.
